Bhogi or Bogi is the first day of Sankranti celebrations in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Bhogi 2019 date is January 14. It is marked on January 14, 2019 in TTD panchangam and State Government. In both Telugu and Tamil cultures, Bhogi is celebrated on the same day. A major activity on the day is the burning of all things that are bad or of no use – a sort of cleansing ceremony.

Note - Bhogi in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra is marked on January 14.

Bhogi Muggulu and Bhogi Pallu - Blessing Children

A major ritual on the day is the drawing of Bhogi Muggulu (a type of Rangoli) and Bhogi pallu functions.

In the Bhogi Pallu functions, a mix of regi-pallu, flower petals, pieces of sugarcane, coins and jaggery are showered on young children. Aarti is performed on children. Women sing songs and bless them.

On the day of Bhogi which is the last day in Dhanurmasa, the marriage of Goda Devi (Andal) is celebrated in Tirupati Venkateswara Temple and other Vishnu Temples. It is popularly believed those who witness this holy marriage would get married soon. Witnessing the divine marriage of Goda Devi with Sri Ranganatha helps in having peace and happy married life. Therefore many couples participate in the marriage of Goda Devi.

In Tamil Nadu, Bhogi is observed on the last day of Margali Month. In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, it is celebrated in the Pushya month.

Symbolic Meaning of Lighting of Bhogi Fire

The lighting of the fire on Bhogi indicates that one should shed the bad habits in the fire and live a pious life thereafter.

Before the sunrise, people make a bonfire with logs of wood, other solid-fuels, and old wooden
furniture. The disposal of unused items is symbolic of giving up old habits, vices, attachments and material things and they are thrown into the sacrificial fire.

The meaning of Bhogi

Godha Devi was the avatar of Mother Earth, Bhoodevi, and is one of the twelve Alwars, great devotees of Vishnu. She is the only female Alwar. Shewas found in the garden of Periyaalvar. She grew up to be a great devotee of Vishnu and a mystic poet. She is the author of Thiruppavai.

Through her intense and unwavering devotion to Bhagavan Vishnu, she attained beatitude and she became the consort of Lord Ranganatha (Bhagavan Vishnu) at Srirangam. Goddess Godha Devi is one of the best exponents of Bakthi Marga. She is one among the celebrated models of bridal mysticism – moksha through consort like Bhakti Bhava for Vishnu.

It is believed that Goda Devi (Andal) attained liberation; she merged with Sri Ranganatha on the Bhogi day. Thus the day on which Goda Devi attained Bhoga Aikya (Merger of Eternal happiness) is being called Bhogi.